Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Usage and Resistance among Dental Postgraduate Students and Interns: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire-based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical and escalating global health issue. Educating healthcare providers and the public is essential to mitigating this threat. Early integration of antimicrobial stewardship into medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing curricula is key, and baseline assessments of knowledge and practices are necessary for effective training programs. Aim: To evaluate the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to antibiotic use and resistance among dental Postgraduate (PG) students and interns, with the goal of informing targeted educational interventions to promote responsible antibiotic usage and combat resistance. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study surveyed dental Postgraduate (PG) students and interns at the Government Dental College (GDC) and Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, from March 2024 to April 2024. A Google Forms questionnaire, validated for content and construct, was used, with questions addressing knowledge of antibiotic indications, resistance mechanisms, attitudes towards stewardship, and prescribing practices. A total of 142 participants were invited, with 112 complete responses (78.8% response rate). Ethical clearance was obtained. Data were analysed using Statistical Packages of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for descriptive and inferential statistics, including p-values where applicable. Results: Out of 142 distributed questionnaires, 112 were completed (78.8% response rate), with 72 interns and 40 PG students responding; 72.3% were female. Overall, participants demonstrated acceptable knowledge of antibiotic use, with over 80% understanding factors contributing to resistance. Knowledge scores averaged 10.4±1.83 for interns and 11.3±1.31 for PG students. More than half expressed concerns about antibiotic safety and local misuse impacting global resistance. Most participants (89.93%) consulted a senior or specialist before taking antibiotics; though, 45.5% reported saving leftover antibiotics, and 27.7% had prescribed antibiotics to others without consultation. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in knowledge levels between interns and PG students. Conclusion: The present study concludes that dental students show varied levels of knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use and resistance, with significant gaps in understanding appropriate prescribing practices, emphasising the need for enhanced educational interventions tailored to their training and clinical responsibilities.

Keywords

• drug resistance
• education
• health personnel
• medication